The process of compiling code involves translating high-level programming languages into machine code that computers can execute. This process begins with a compiler scanning the source code for syntax errors and converting it into an intermediate representation. The compiler then optimizes the code to enhance performance and efficiency before producing the final output, usually in binary format. This machine code can then be executed by the computer's processor. Compiling is essential for languages like C or C++, where direct execution of the source code is not possible, ensuring that programs run efficiently and correctly.